Cancun is often celebrated for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife, but it’s also a fantastic place to explore local markets and shopping tours that reveal authentic Mexican life. Whether you’re craving a taco tour with bites at hidden spots, a street food adventure through lively stalls, or a day exploring Mayan ruins and cenotes, Cancun offers diverse ways to indulge your shopping and tasting interests. We’ve especially enjoyed experiences like the Cancun Taco Tour, Local Beer and Night Market for its lively atmosphere and authentic bites, and the Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals for a taste of local street flavor and colorful murals.
Cancun’s shopping scene goes beyond souvenir stands. You can explore bustling markets like Mercado 28, discover artisanal crafts, or visit upscale shopping centers. Many tours combine culinary experiences with cultural sights, giving you a well-rounded day that satisfies both your appetite and curiosity. From sampling tacos at local haunts to browsing handmade jewelry, there’s plenty to discover.
Quick Overview
Our list features taco tours, street food adventures, cultural sightseeing, and shopping excursions. They range from small-group food tastings like the Taco Attack to private guided shopping days like Cancun Private Shopping Tour. Whether you prefer walking through markets, learning about Mexican cuisine, or exploring Mayan ruins, this list has something for every traveler.
1. Cancun Taco Tour, Local Beer and Night Market with Transportation
At number 1, this 4.5-hour small-group tour combines tasting Cancun’s best tacos, enjoying cold Mexican beers, and exploring a lively night market. The tour visits four local taco spots with skip-the-line access, so you skip the tourist traps and get to taste authentic recipes, many of which are family-run establishments. The guide shares stories behind each dish, giving you a taste of local culture that’s hard to beat. Including optional hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport, this tour offers a comfortable way to enjoy Cancun’s vibrant food scene.
What makes this tour stand out is its authentic focus on small eateries rather than big restaurants, plus the chance to visit a bustling night market. With a perfect 5-star rating from over 780 reviews, visitors love Navarro’s engaging storytelling and the chance to support small businesses. The tour also includes churros and beers, making it a balanced, flavorful experience.
Bottom line: If you want a fun, relaxed introduction to Cancun’s taco culture with plenty of local stories, this tour offers great value and an authentic vibe.
2. Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals
Ranking second, this 3.5-hour tour takes you beyond the usual tourist areas to explore market stalls, street food, and street art. Stops include sampling Carnitas tacos at EL POLILLA, Yucatecan food at Lonchería El Pocito, and ice cream at La Michoacana. The tour includes a visit to Mercado 23, where you can browse local products and enjoy a lively atmosphere. The highlight is the vibrant murals—perfect for photos and soaking in Cancun’s urban art scene.
What makes this tour special is its focus on everyday local life and authentic flavors. The food is included, so come hungry, as you’ll taste classic dishes like Yucatecan cochinita and traditional popsicles. The guide Adrian is praised for being personable and knowledgeable, sharing insights into Mexican culture at every stop.
Bottom line: Best suited for food lovers who want a taste of local street cuisine and colorful street art in a relaxed setting.
3. TACO ATTACK – Taco Tour Cancun – Tacos, Tequila, Shopping & More
Coming in at number 3, the Taco Attack tour is a 2 to 4-hour guided adventure that explores five taco stops with genuine, often surprising fillings, from beef tongue to seafood quesadillas. The tour also includes a stop at a craft market for tequila and mezcal tastings and shopping. Starting at Parque de las Palapas, the guide leads you through local favorites you’d likely never find alone, with a maximum of 10 travelers for an intimate experience.
Guests rave about trying authentic tacos in local spots and learning about Mexican food culture, all while enjoying a lively atmosphere. The tour offers a great mix of tasty bites and cultural insights, with options to shop for crafts and tequila. It’s perfect for travelers eager to explore authentic Cancun flavors in a fun, social setting.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for foodies who want to sample a variety of tacos and shop at the same time, in a small, friendly group.
4. Lucha Libre, Tacos, Margaritas, Tequila and Night Market Tour
At number 4, this 4.5-hour evening tour combines Mexican wrestling (Lucha Libre) with a taco and margarita tasting and visits a night market. It’s a lively, fun way to experience Mexican entertainment and cuisine simultaneously. You’ll watch a live Lucha Libre match with ringside seats, learn about the sport’s origins, and see colorful masks and acrobatics. The tour also includes tasting tacos and margaritas, making it a perfect blend of culture and fun.
Guests love the energy of the wrestling show and the chance to cheer with locals. The guide G keeps the atmosphere lively, and the tour’s combination of food, drinks, and cultural entertainment makes it stand out. The tour is full of stories about Mexican wrestling traditions and offers an authentic night out.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers looking for an interactive, fun evening that mixes sports, food, and local color.
5. Mexican Cooking Class with Fresh Local Market Ingredients Selection and Transport
Number 5 features a 4-hour hands-on cooking class focused on making a 4-course Mexican meal. Starting with a visit to a local market, you learn how to select fresh ingredients and then cook using traditional tools like a stone mortar and clay pots. The class is limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized instruction. After cooking, you get to enjoy your creations with drinks included.
This experience is perfect for foodies who want to learn authentic techniques and bring new recipes home. Guests comment on the knowledgeable instructor Diego and the enjoyable market visit. The class balances theory and practice, giving a genuine taste of Mexican cuisine.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who enjoy interactive cooking and want to take home a Mexican culinary skillset.
6. Experience Cancun’s Hidden Gems, Mayan Museum, Cenote & Market 23
Ranking sixth, this 6-hour private tour is for travelers eager to explore lesser-known sites. It begins at the Mayan Museum, then takes you to San Miguelito Archeological Zone. Afterward, relax in a cenote—a natural swimming hole—known as Neen Ha. The tour concludes at Mercado 23, where you can browse local crafts and enjoy traditional cochinita tacos.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on local, authentic experiences outside typical tourist routes. The private format allows for flexibility, and guests praise the personalized attention. The cenote visit is especially appreciated, as many travelers overlook this peaceful spot.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a cultural, natural, and culinary experience away from crowds.
7. Cancun City Sightseeing and Shopping Tour on a Double Decker bus
Number 7 offers a 5-hour guided tour on a double-decker bus covering Cancun’s highlights. It includes visits to El Meco archaeological site, Plaza 28, and Avenida Tulum, with stops for shopping and photos. The tour includes tequila, chocolate tastings, and scenic views, giving a broad overview of the city’s main sights.
It’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting a rundown without much walking. The reviews emphasize the friendly guides and the interesting stops that expose you to both history and local shopping.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting a panoramic introduction to Cancun’s highlights with light shopping.
8. Cancun: Cooking Class and Optional Local Market Tour
Number 8 offers a 4-hour cooking class with an optional market visit. Participants learn how to make tortillas, guacamole, and other traditional dishes. The class emphasizes hands-on techniques, and the optional market tour teaches you how to select the best ingredients.
Guests enjoy the personalized instruction and the chance to recreate authentic Mexican dishes at home. The class suits those wanting to improve culinary skills and understand Mexican ingredients better.
Bottom line: Excellent for food lovers interested in cooking techniques and market shopping.
9. Cancun: Street Food, Local Market and Urban Art Tour
Number 9 highlights a 5-hour tour combining street food tasting with a look at Cancun’s urban art. It includes trying four traditional dishes and exploring local markets such as Ciricote 37, famous for its vibrant street art scene. Transportation is included, making it easy to explore downtown Cancun.
Guests love the blend of culinary delights and visual art, with many noting the informative guide and the chance to see a different side of Cancun. It’s perfect for those who want to experience food and culture simultaneously.
Bottom line: Best for culturally curious travelers interested in urban art and street food.
10. Cancun Guided Sightseeing, Shopping and Tasting Tour
Ranking tenth, this 4-hour tour combines sightseeing, shopping, and tastings. It includes stops at Dolphins Beach, the Mayan Museum, and Plaza la Fiesta for tequila tastings and shopping. The tour is designed as a quick immersion into Cancun’s culture and local flavor with air-conditioned transport.
Reviewers appreciate the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides. It’s an efficient way to see highlights and taste local drinks without taking up your whole day.
Bottom line: Great for travelers with limited time wanting a balanced mix of sights, shopping, and food.
11. Cancun Shopping Private Guided Tour & City Sightseeing
Number 11 offers a 5-hour private tour focusing on shopping and city sights. It includes a tequila tasting, visits to Mercado 28, La Isla shopping village, and Plaza La Fiesta. The private guide tailors the experience, making it ideal for those wanting a personalized day.
Guests praise the flexibility and informative commentary, especially about local crafts and tequila. It suits travelers valuing customized attention.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a bespoke shopping and sightseeing experience.
12. Discover Cancun: City Tour, Culture & Shopping in One Day
Number 12 features a small-group day trip to Chichen Itza and Valladolid, including visits to markets and a cenote. The tour highlights Yucatecan cuisine and Mayan ruins, blending cultural sights with shopping for local crafts.
Guests appreciate the well-rounded itinerary and personalized guide attention. It’s suited for families or travelers eager to combine history, nature, and shopping.
Bottom line: Ideal for a full-day immersion in Mexican culture and archaeology with some shopping thrown in.
13. Cancun: Guided City Tour with Shopping by Double Decker Bus
This 5-5.5 hour tour offers sightseeing on a double-decker bus, including stops at El Meco archaeological site, Plaza 28, and Kukulcan Plaza. It includes stops for shopping and photo opportunities, plus tequila tasting.
The reviews praise the informative guides and the easy pace. It’s suitable for first-timers who want a rundown.
Bottom line: Great for a relaxed, overview tour with some shopping and cultural insights.
14. Taste of Cancun: Street Food, Local Market and Urban Murals Tour
Number 14 is a 4.5-hour intimate tour focusing on street food and urban art. You’ll try Carnitas tacos, tamales, and popsicles while exploring market stalls and mural-filled streets. The tour includes local stories and tastings that highlight the city’s culinary heritage.
Guests love its personalized approach and the chance to see Cancun’s artistic side alongside its food.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a small-group experience that combines food and street art.
15. Cancun Guided Sightseeing SkyWheel, Letters and Shopping
Ranking 15th, this 5-hour tour includes Panoramic views from Sky Wheel, a visit to Playa Delfines, and shopping at Mexico Magico and Jewelry Center. It offers photo opportunities and a focus on Mexican craftsmanship.
Guests praise the beautiful views and varied stops. It’s suitable for families and photo enthusiasts.
Bottom line: A good choice for those who want scenic views combined with shopping.
16. Cancun Guided Unlimited Taco Lunch & Shopping Experience
Number 16 offers a 4-hour tour centered on all-you-can-eat tacos, local shopping, and a tequila tasting. Starting at Playa Delfines, it includes visits to Jewelry Center and Mexico Magico for shopping and cultural insights.
Guests describe it as a family-friendly experience with delicious food and flexible shopping. The tour is ideal for those who love tacos and want a relaxed shopping day.
Bottom line: Best suited for taco lovers seeking unlimited bites and some shopping.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your shopping or market tour in Cancun, consider your interests first. Do you want to sample authentic tacos? The Cancun Taco Tour is perfect. Interested in street food and murals? The Street Food Tour offers a flavorful, artistic walk. For shopping and cultural sights, the Private Guided Shopping Tour provides a personalized experience.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the City Sightseeing Bus, while those eager to learn to cook should consider the Mexican Cooking Class. For a full-day adventure with ruins and beaches, the Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour combines culture, nature, and shopping seamlessly.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the taco or street food experiences, which tend to fill quickly during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
From authentic taco tours to cultural explorations, Cancun offers options tailored to every interest and budget. If you’re looking for a casual introduction to local flavors, the Cancun Taco Tour is a top pick. For a more immersive experience, consider the Mexican Cooking Class or the Hidden Gems Tour. No matter your choice, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these flavorful and cultural adventures.